Morning with Ebenezer

THE TEST OF TRUE PROPHET

You may say to yourselves, “How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the LORD?” If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD done take place or come true, that is a message that the LORD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him.

Deuteronomy 18:21-22 NIV

Moses anticipated a problem. How would people know whether a prophet who claimed to speak God’s message was a true prophet? A question was asked of Moses which is still being asked today. “How may we know the word which the LORD has not spoken? (Deuteronomy 18:21)

And Moses gave the answer- the true test of a prophet: “When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the word does not come to pass or come true that is a word which the LORD has not spoken. Failure to pass the test of a true prophet was a bit severe. Anything less would doom the prophet to death by stoning, which was the method of capital punishment in those days, (Deuteronomy 13:1-11)

A Greek proverb says that the best guesser is the best prophet. If the prophets of Israel had been simply “guessers,” they would have had to take cruel consequences- a slow and torturous death inflicted by flying stones. The prophets of Israel also pointed out their people causes of current problems. This is never very popular; true prophets would not be likely to win the “Most Beloved Citizen” award in their home town. (THE LATE GREAT PLANET EARTH, By Hal Lindsey with C.C. Carlson)

This morning, I want you to know that the true prophet who is sent by God will pass the test that was put by Moses. A true prophet will speak things and those things will come to pass. A prophet of New Testament as described by the Paul Apostle will speak to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. He will speak things for the edification of the church that Christ may be glorified in the body of believers. (1 Corinthians 14:3, 4b, 22b)

If there is anyone who calls himself a prophet in your local area and does not pass the test that  was put by Moses; and does not meet the standards that was given by Paul the Apostle, then He is not from God and do not be afraid of Him. He speaks his own ideas; he makes up things so you might as well forget about him.

****Morning Prayer****

Pray this prayer with me by faith and God is going to answer your prayer….

Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for your word. Lord I’m asking that You may give me the Spirit of discernment that I may be able to distinguish between true and false prophets. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.